I'll give you my findings as well...
> From: Mark Rafn <dagon@...>
>
> Just started an Erudite Enchanter, and having a blast. Some of these
> questions are probably asked often, so if there's a FAQ or other source
> that answers them, please feel free to point me there.
>
> 1) Is there any armor available that gives the look of plate, chain, or at
> least leather? I'd like to be a little less naked when taking the form of
> a class that doesn't have robe graphics.
Lots. I have 2 or 3 pairs of leggings that look like leather (blue on a
gnome), and there is the rare item or 2 that will offer you the look of
plate (golden chitin bracer for one). For tunics, I recommend the green
silken drape, which shows up as a green shirt, or a robe of the keeper,
which shows up as a red shirt.
>
> 2) Do any of the illusions provide racial abilities (wood elf forage, dark
> elf hide, etc. in addition to sight improvements?
>
They all do apparently. all of the elemental forms have the most obvious
abilities built in (levitation, water breath, fire shield, strength), I
believe that illusion human DOES provide an XP bonus as well. I didnt know
that as a barbarian I could slam though...
> 3) How does Alliance work? Does it always raise one faction level (e.g.
> dubious to apprehensive)? Does it decrease faction with negative faction
> groups (e.g. if I cast it on a deathfist orc, will it make me less liked
> by the commons residents)?
>
No negative faction involved. Also, I've noticed that you can use the
alliance line of spells on several different faction groups and not lose the
faction you gained with the first that you cast it on. I have a wand that
has effect:alliance and I regularily cast it on everything around me (just
for the visual effect). If I go from dubious to indifferent with freeport
guards, and then from indifferent to amiable with the nearest merchant, I'm
still indifferent with the guards.
> 4) At what level can I go into the evil cities? My gnome necro can go
> into Neriak - can my agnostic enchanter go there in gnome form? Can I go
> into Grobb or Oggok in dark elf form, or must I wait for ogre/troll form?
As soon as you get illusion - dark elf you can go everywhere in Norrath
(except watch that shadowknight guild). As an agnostic you arent limited by
religion.
>
> Thanks for any advice to a newbie illusionist.
> --
> Mark Rafn dagon@... <http://www.dagon.net/>
You're most welcome!
Cogg - RZ